Men (BHRT) / Andropause

Vivify Medical in Philadelphia and Norristown, Pennsylvania understands that every man is different, and even though all men will produce less hormones as the age, not all will be symptomatic. Knowing which symptoms can be related to low hormone levels is a important factor in treatment and should be evaluated by a physican for proper diagnosis and treatment. We start our evaluation with few simple questions. Below is a questionaire we use to help identify andropause. It should be noted that the below is only the start of our evaluation. We provide it to open the conversation about andropause. We hope it serves useful.

ADAM Questionnaire (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male)

Answer YES or NO to each of the following questions:

1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?

2. Do you have a lack of energy?

3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?

4. Have you lost height?

5. Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life?”

6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?

7. Are your erections less strong?

8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?

9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?

10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?

If you answered YES to questions 1 or 7 or any 3 other questions, you may be experiencing androgen deficiency (low testosterone level).

What is Andropause?

Andropause, also sometimes called male menopause, is an acquired type of hypogonadism caused by the gradual decline of testosterone levels as a result of normal aging. Hormone levels vary throughout life in men and in women and levels of certain hormones, including sex hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, progesterone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), human growth hormone (HGH), and melatonin, decline naturally with age.

In women, menopause usually occurs around the age of 50, when the ovaries stop producing female sex hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone) and menstrual cycles end.

In men, production of the male sex hormone testosterone declines gradually beginning about age 30 and may reach low levels by 40–55 years of age.

In addition, levels of a chemical called sex-binding hormone globulin (SHBG) increase, further reducing the amount of bioavailable testosterone in the body.

Bioavailable testosterone, which is not bound in the body by this chemical, maintains energy levels, healthy mood, fertility, and libido (sex drive). Some studies have shown that testosterone levels in men decrease up to 40% by the age of 70.

Low testosterone levels associated with andropause can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, diminished libido (sex drive), reduced energy levels, weakness, and psychological symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability, and depression. The condition also may increase the risk for heart disease (atherosclerosis) and bone loss (osteoporosis).

Older men who experience andropause symptoms should contact a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to rule out conditions not related to normal aging, such as infection or tumors. Andropause diagnosis involves serum and blood tests. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat the condition,

Lifestyle changes also may be helpful to reduce symptoms and risks associated with andropause. Men with low testosterone levels should eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, get adequate amounts of sleep, exercise regularly, reduce stress, limit alcohol intake, and should not use tobacco products.